Wednesday, 12 September 2018

Charles Lawson interview: The return of Jim McDonald

How does it feel returning to Coronation Street?
It’s my 40th year in the business this year so it’s a bit like riding a bike. It’s a job I’m proud of and a job I enjoy and I get to share a dressing room with Simon Gregson so that’s good.

Why did Jim originally decide to go ahead with the plan?
I don’t think he is the instigator of the idea and now he’s in it up to his neck. As soon as he sees Elizabeth, he realises he’s a mistake and he wants her back but he is in too deep. But Jim makes mistakes like everyone does, he is not a bad man.

Does Jim feel like they are going too far with the plan?
Yes he does and he makes it very clear he feels guilty but unfortunately the damage is done.How serious is his feelings for Hannah?
He doesn’t want what Hannah wants. He was in prison and he felt abandoned and there she turns up and take care of him but it becomes apparent pretty quick that she is the driver of this plan. She’s traced him through his army records and obviously she’s had a plan going on in her head. It’s clearly a spooky relationship.

Do you think that Jim still has feelings for Liz?
Anyone in the real world knows that when you love someone and it’s genuine you tend not to fall out of love no matter what happens so yes he does and long may that continue.

How do you think Liz would react if she found out the truth?
She would be broken hearted and very disappointed in him because it’s clear she still has feelings for him.

What are Jim’s redeeming qualities?
You can see he has made a mistake, it’s all gone pretty pear-shaped for him.

Do you think Liz and Jim should get back together?
It never went away for him and neither has it for Liz but it would be a pretty boring story if they just kissed and made up. But I hope in the future it could be Jim, Liz and Steve together, that would be in an ideal world.